Kaspersky: Low-priced Android phones with pre-installed malware have caused 2,600 cases of cryptocurrency theft

ChainCatcher news, according to Cointelegraph, cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab recently discovered a large number of counterfeit Android phones preloaded with malware being sold online at low prices. These devices are implanted with the Triada Trojan virus, which can steal cryptocurrencies and other sensitive data.

According to Kaspersky expert Dmitry Kalinin, attackers have successfully transferred about $270,000 in various cryptocurrencies by replacing wallet addresses, and the actual losses may be higher as attackers have also targeted the privacy coin Monero.

Currently, 2,600 infection cases have been confirmed, mainly concentrated in Russia. The Trojan can infiltrate the firmware before the device reaches the user, intercepting two-factor authentication SMS messages and stealing account information.

Kaspersky advises users to purchase devices only from legitimate channels and to install security solutions immediately after purchase.